AP GOV UNIT 2 TEST

Schenck vs US
- During WWI, Schenck mailed circulars to draftees claiming the war was wrong and terrible.
- Charged with conspiracy to violate the Espionage Act due to causing "insubordination" in the military.
- Supreme Court Ruling: Espionage Act constitutional; First Amendment does not protect actions creating a "clear and present danger."
- Implication: Supreme Court may limit free speech in cases of immediate danger.
Tinker vs Des Moines
- Students maintain their First Amendment free speech rights at school; symbolic speech (e.g., wearing armbands in protest) is protected.
NY Times vs US
- Government cannot prevent the publication of the Pentagon Papers, affirming strong press freedom against prior restraint.
Citizens United vs FEC
- Under the First Amendment, there are no limits on corporate funding of independent political broadcasts in candidate elections.
Gitlow v N.Y.
- NY law's restriction on free speech is constitutional, as it's incorporated from the Bill of Rights. States may restrict speech if it poses a "dangerous tendency."
Hazelwood v Kuhlmeier
- Public school officials can censor student newspapers if censorship is reasonably related to legitimate educational concerns.
Texas v Johnson
- Desecration of the American flag is symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment.
Bush v Gore
- Supreme Court stopped a Florida recount ordered by Gore, violating the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause.

Democrats vs Republicans
- Democrat Policies:
  - Belief in liberalism – government should provide equal opportunities through social programs, wealth redistribution.
  - Support for higher corporate taxes and increased government spending on social programs.
  - Right to abortion; prevention of crime through government aid.
- Republican Policies:
  - Conservatism: Emphasis on private sector solutions for social issues.
  - Advocacy for lower taxes, cutting corporate taxes, reducing government spending.
  - Opposition to abortion; focus on severe criminal punishment.

Types of Political Ideologies:
- Revolutionary/Radical: Seek rapid change, may use violence.
- Liberal: Favor peaceful, gradual change within the system, reject violence.
- Moderates: Mix of conservative and liberal viewpoints; advocate a cautious approach to political change.

Political Socialization: Process through which individuals acquire political values.
- Factors influencing views include family (most significant), education, peers, and media (especially the internet).
Public Opinion: Legitimate political authority and responsiveness to citizens.
- Public opinion polls can manipulate perceptions, e.g., the Bradley Effect.
- Poll Types:
  - Opinion polls, push polls, entrance/exit polls.

Political Polarization: Increasing divisions among political parties; compromises become rare.
Voter Turnout: Affected by factors such as laws, registration processes, and socio-demographic characteristics.
- Key reasons for low turnout include complex ballots, limited choices, and burdensome registration.
Political Efficacy: Trust in the ability to influence government.
- Internal Efficacy: Understanding of government operations.
- External Efficacy: Perception that government responds to needs.

Downs Rational Choice Theory: Rational individuals vote based on perceived benefits from parties' policies.
Voting Models:
- Retrospective, prospective, and party-line voting.
- Conventional Participation: Voting, petitions, and running for office.
- Unconventional Participation: Protests, civil disobedience.

FECA 1974: Established the FEC for campaign finance oversight.
Hard Money: Direct donations to candidates.
PACs: Organizations pooling contributions to support candidates and issues.
Buckley v Valeo (1976): Ruling on campaign contributions and expenditure restrictions.
Soft Money: Unrestricted funds for party activities.

Nomination Process: Candidates compete for party nominations through primaries and caucuses.
Electoral College: Each state's electors determined by congressional representation, requiring 270 votes to win.
Media's Impact: Influential in shaping voter perception and the importance of issues.

Core Concepts:
- Individualism: Each person responsible for their own outcomes.
- Equality of Opportunity: Emphasis on merit-based success, not inherited status.
- Free Enterprise: Minimal government role in economic transactions.

Key Amendments:
- 1st: Freedom of speech, religion, press.
- 5th: Protection against self-incrimination.
- 8th: Protection from cruel and unusual punishment.
Candidate-centered Campaigns: Focus on the individual's brand rather than party endorsements.

Role of Interest Groups: Dominated by elites, with policymaking controlled by wealthier groups.
Super PACs: Unlimited fundraising for independent expenditures.
Amendments Impacting Voting: 26th – voting age, 24th – poll tax prohibition, 17th – direct senatorial elections.
Voter Registration Reforms: Initiatives like automatic and same-day registration aim to increase participation.